Fine, I’ll say it: Dont’a Hightower has been the New England Patriots’ best defender this season.

No one on the Patriots’ defense makes a bigger impact on a play-to-play basis than Hightower — even fellow linebacker Jamie Collins or safety Devin McCourty. Hightower might be the best run-stuffing and pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL, and there’s no doubt he’s the best in the league with that combination of skills.

Hightower put together another big game Thursday night in the Patriots’ 36-7 win over the Miami Dolphins. Check out this week’s advanced passing stats:

The Patriots only suffered one drop Thursday night after having seven Sunday. Brady was inaccurate on six passes, three incompletions were caused by the defense, and two came because of pressure allowed by the offensive line.

Brady was 3 of 6 on deep passes for 76 yards. Brady’s deep accuracy appears to have improved this season.